The arrival of spring means you'll be spending more time outdoors. Warmer weather also often means the return of mosquitoes, insects that can leave painful bites on your body and spread diseases. As you explore mosquito control service providers in your area, it's important to know what draws these insects to your property. The following guide explains what attracts them and how to get rid of them.

What Attracts Mosquitoes?

Water is a vital resource for mosquitoes, which is why the insects gravitate to clogged gutters, puddles in the driveway, buckets, and open trashcans that collect water after it rains. The insects breed in the water, and fertile females return to lay their eggs in the damp conditions. 

During these growth stages, the young mosquitoes get nutrients from particles in the liquid and come up to the surface for oxygen. Adult mosquitoes don't need to live in water, and often take up residence in tall grass, wood or compost piles, and other areas that offer wind protection. 

When Should Mosquito Control Take Place?

Ideally, mosquito control providers should treat the yard to keep up with the insects' life cycle. The pests typically breed when temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Every third night after mating, the female can lay 100 eggs, and they can lay eggs three times in their life before dying. 

The eggs then hatch into larvae after 24 to 48 hours and then transform into pupae after seven to 10 days. Technicians should spray the yard every 10 to 17 days to eradicate pupae before they turn into adults and eliminate larvae and eggs that haven't hatched. Cleaning gutters and improving yard drainage will eliminate the damp environment that attracts the insects.

If you need mosquito control services, reach out to Mosquito Shield® of North Dallas in Texas. The company's wax-based Mosquito Shield spray coats surfaces to help repel water, which will make your yard less attractive to the insects. Learn more about this service online, and call (972) 850-2983 to schedule an appointment.